Lenten Devotional. Connect to Self: Who Am I in God s eyes?

Transcription

1 Lenten Devotional Connect to Self: I Lent 2018 Who Am I in God s eyes?

2 Cover Art by Jan Richardson Images Coloring Page by Illustrated Children s Ministry

3 This Lenten Devotional belongs to:

4 Grace and Peace to you this Lent! During these forty days before Easter, we join Christians all over the world who focus on spiritual practices more intentionally. Our theme this season is Connect with Self: Who Am I in God s Eyes? This Lenten devotional will help you to explore this question throughout each week as well as on Sunday mornings. Our hope is that as a congregation we will find ourselves not only growing closer to each other, but closer to Jesus Christ as he approaches the cross and the empty tomb. This devotional is organized around the scripture passage highlighted in the previous worship service usually Sunday, but also other important days such as Ash Wednesday, Maundy Thursday, and Good Friday. Each entry in the devotional has five parts. First, the full biblical text. Second, a question and answer from the Heidelberg Catechism (a Reformation-era statement of faith from our Book of Confessions see the adjoining page for more background). Third, three questions for discussion or reflection. Fourth, a prayer to help you talk to God about what you re reading and thinking about. Fifth, LOTS of white space. You could use this devotional in several ways. Some of you might find it most meaningful if you join with others to talk about what you are reading. Their insights might build on yours and each of you could get more out of it than you would by yourselves. You could gather with your family every day after a meal, or weekly with your small group. You might try it for the devotion time at your church committee meeting. Maybe there s a group of people in your workplace or in your neighborhood who would want to come together during Lent. Others of you might prefer to use it individually, as a journal. The silence you invest in the readings and questions might bring insights that conversation with others would drown out. You also could decide to dig into the journal every day. With this approach, you might explore the scripture the first day. On the second day, you could take your time with the Heidelberg Catechism entry. On days three through five you could answer the successive questions and pray the suggested prayer. On day six you might write your own prayer, and on day seven you might write some sentences about what God has taught you in the past week in the white space. Of course, if you are meeting with others once a week, or journaling through the entry in one sitting, you ll want to dedicate more time and go through it all but in an unhurried way. We look forward to hearing how this devotional helps you to connect with self, and to see yourself as God sees you. God bless you as we move toward Easter! Nancy Dolan Kristie Finley Chip Hardwick 1

5 The Heidelberg Catechism Helping Christians Understand What We Believe For More Than 450 Years Presbyterians use the Book of Confessions to help us interpret the scripture. Although this book is not, to the disappointment of confirmands everywhere, a list of the worst sins committed by Presby-famous people throughout history, it is still a critically important read because it contains twelve statements of faith that the denomination has embraced as guides for our tradition. (Creeds, statements of faith and confessions all refer to a document written and then embraced by the church as subordinate to scripture but still authoritative.) The Confessions includes the Apostles and Nicene Creed from the early church, and then skips forward to the Reformation, where six statements of faith are gathered. The Heidelberg Catechism, upon which this Lenten devotional draws, is one of these Reformation-era confessions. From the 16 th and 17 th century Reformation statements we jump ahead to the 20 th century, where four more creeds shape what we believe. The Heidelberg Catechism was written in (surprise!) Heidelberg, Germany, in This confession is one of three catechisms in the Book of Confessions. Catechisms are a specific type of creed with a question-and-answer format intended to teach people new to the faith what it is that Christians believe. Heidelberg was specifically written to help Reformed Christians (the tradition of which Presbyterians are a part) understand the distinctions between ourselves and Lutherans and Catholics. The Heidelberg Catechism is arranged in three sections. It starts out a little harsh, with a focus on the misery of humanity due to our sin. This section lasts only eight questions, however, before it moves on to the redemption of humanity (i.e., how Jesus saves us, with 73 questions), including topics such as baptism and the Lord s Supper. The catechism wraps up with 43 questions about the gratitude our redemption elicits, including a discussion of the Lord s prayer and the Apostles Creed. Some of the language in the questions and answers is a little old-fashioned, but it is also much more personal than many of the other creeds we have adopted. Its authors want each person learning about Christianity to be assured of his or her own salvation. The first question captures the intimate connection between Jesus and each of us, that the authors want to make sure that everyone understands: Q1: What is your only comfort in life and in death? A: That I am not my own, but belong body and soul, in life and in death to my faithful Savior, Jesus Christ. May this knowledge, and this journal, comfort you throughout Lent and beyond. 2

6 Ash Wednesday, February A Word from Scripture: Joel 2:1 2, Blow the trumpet in Zion; sound the alarm on my holy mountain! Let all the inhabitants of the land tremble, for the day of the Lord is coming, it is near a day of darkness and gloom, a day of clouds and thick darkness! Like blackness spread upon the mountains a great and powerful army comes; their like has never been from of old, nor will be again after them in ages to come. Yet even now, says the Lord, return to me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning; rend your hearts and not your clothing. Return to the Lord, your God, for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love, and relents from punishing. Who knows whether he will not turn and relent, and leave a blessing behind him, a grain offering and a drink offering for the Lord, your God? Blow the trumpet in Zion; sanctify a fast; call a solemn assembly; gather the people. Sanctify the congregation; assemble the aged; gather the children, even infants at the breast. Let the bridegroom leave his room, and the bride her canopy. Between the vestibule and the altar let the priests, the ministers of the Lord, weep. Let them say, Spare your people, O Lord, and do not make your heritage a mockery, a byword among the nations. Why should it be said among the peoples, Where is their God? A Word from the Heidelberg Catechism: Q 3: Where do you learn of your sin and its wretched consequences? A. From the Law of God. Q 4: What does the Law of God require of us? A. Jesus Christ teaches this in a summary in Matthew 22:37 40: You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it, you shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments depend all the law and the prophets. Q 5: Can you keep all this perfectly? A. No, for my nature I am prone to hate God and my neighbor. My Notes Merciful God, help me turn back to you with all my being. Help me to see what is getting in the way of my relationship with you. By your abundant grace, help me love you with all my heart, my soul, and my mind; and my neighbor as myself. And when I sin and fall short of who you created me to be, help me to experience your steadfast love and mercy, and to share it with others. Amen. 3

7 Some Words for Reflection or Conversation 1: This passage from Joel calls the whole community to gather and reorient themselves back toward God. Lent is a period of reorientation back to God, for the community of faith and each of us individually. Take some time to think about what it would mean for you to use Lent to return to God with all your heart. What gets in the way of orienting yourself fully to God? What might you lay aside or start doing as a daily reminder to turn to God? How might this journal help? Try to name a few things and choose one to practice this week. Merciful God, help me turn back to you with all my being. Help me to see what is getting in the way of my relationship with you. By your abundant grace, help me love you with all my heart, my soul, and my mind; and my neighbor as myself. And when I sin and fall short of who you created me to be, help me to experience your steadfast love and mercy, and to share it with others. Amen. 4

8 Ash Wednesday, February A Word from Scripture: Joel 2:1 2, Some Words for Reflection or Conversation 2: The commandments are a gift from God that help us live in community with one another in such a way that all can flourish. These Heidelberg questions also remind us that the commandments help us see our sin. Read the commandments of Matthew 22 in Q4 (page 3) again. Think of something specific you ve done, or didn t do, this past week to violate either of those commandments. What happened? Why did it happen? What were the consequences? Imagine yourself returning to God, naming your sin, and unloading the burden of its weight. Merciful God, help me turn back to you with all my being. Help me to see what is getting in the way of my relationship with you. By your abundant grace, help me love you with all my heart, my soul, and my mind; and my neighbor as myself. And when I sin and fall short of who you created me to be, help me to experience your steadfast love and mercy, and to share it with others. Amen. 5

9 Some Words for Reflection or Conversation 3: Facing your own sin can be difficult, painful. We often avoid it; in fact, our culture encourages us to point out the sins of others but rarely encourages us to look at ourselves first. What comfort do you find in the passage from Joel as you name your own sin? Write down the comforts you found. Now, reflecting on those, how might you see who are you in God s eyes? Merciful God, help me turn back to you with all my being. Help me to see what is getting in the way of my relationship with you. By your abundant grace, help me love you with all my heart, my soul, and my mind; and my neighbor as myself. And when I sin and fall short of who you created me to be, help me to experience your steadfast love and mercy, and to share it with others. Amen. 6

10 February A Word from Scripture: 1 John 4:1 6 Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world. This is how you can recognize the Spirit of God: Every spirit that acknowledges that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, but every spirit that does not acknowledge Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you have heard is coming and even now is already in the world. You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world. They are from the world and therefore speak from the viewpoint of the world, and the world listens to them. We are from God, and whoever knows God listen to us; but whoever is not from God does not listen to us. This is how we recognize the Spirit of truth and the spirit of falsehood. A Word from the Heidelberg Catechism: Q 1: What is your only comfort in life and death? A. That I am not my own, but belong with body and soul, both in life and in death, to my faithful Savior Jesus Christ. He has fully paid for all my sins with his precious blood, and has set me free from all the power of the devil. He also preserves me in such a way that without the will of my heavenly Father not a hair can fall from my head; indeed, all things must work together for my salvation. Therefore, by his Holy Spirit he also assures me of eternal life and makes me heartily willing and ready from now on to live for him. 7 My Notes O God Holy Spirit, I often get confused about who my God is. The culture around me presents so many different ideas of what is worth worshiping. It is so seductive to think that my careers, or my success, or my own self-reliance are much more glorious than you are. Remind me again that I see you in Jesus Christ, the One who came as a humble servant who died so that I would live. I belong to you, Lord Jesus, in life and in death. I praise you, Lord Christ, for setting me free from the power of sin and death and giving me eternal life. Forgive me and strengthen me now, that I would live for you. In the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, One God, now and forever. Amen.

11 Some Words for Reflection or Conversation 1: Our scripture proclaims that it is easy to be distracted by other visions of God beyond the one we see in Jesus Christ. What mistaken understandings of who God is are most seductive to you or your loved ones? O God Holy Spirit, I often get confused about who my God is. The culture around me presents so many different ideas of what is worth worshiping. It is so seductive to think that my careers, or my success, or my own self-reliance are much more glorious than you are. Remind me again that I see you in Jesus Christ, the One who came as a humble servant who died so that I would live. I belong to you, Lord Jesus, in life and in death. I praise you, Lord Christ, for setting me free from the power of sin and death and giving me eternal life. Forgive me and strengthen me now, that I would live for you. In the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, One God, now and forever. Amen. 8

12 February A Word from Scripture: 1 John 4:1 6 Some Words for Reflection or Conversation 2: From its opening words, the Heidelberg Catechism reminds us of the comforting centrality of God s tender care over us. This reminder is in stark contrast to other ideas proposed by our culture which move God away from the center of the world, or say that God does not exist at all. When God floats away from the center of our lives, what do we lose? O God Holy Spirit, I often get confused about who my God is. The culture around me presents so many different ideas of what is worth worshiping. It is so seductive to think that my careers, or my success, or my own self-reliance are much more glorious than you are. Remind me again that I see you in Jesus Christ, the One who came as a humble servant who died so that I would live. I belong to you, Lord Jesus, in life and in death. I praise you, Lord Christ, for setting me free from the power of sin and death and giving me eternal life. Forgive me and strengthen me now, that I would live for you. In the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, One God, now and forever. Amen. 9

13 Some Words for Reflection or Conversation 3: In God s eyes, each of us belongs to our faithful Savior Jesus Christ, in life and in death. Why does this matter to you, today? O God Holy Spirit, I often get confused about who my God is. The culture around me presents so many different ideas of what is worth worshiping. It is so seductive to think that my careers, or my success, or my own self-reliance are much more glorious than you are. Remind me again that I see you in Jesus Christ, the One who came as a humble servant who died so that I would live. I belong to you, Lord Jesus, in life and in death. I praise you, Lord Christ, for setting me free from the power of sin and death and giving me eternal life. Forgive me and strengthen me now, that I would live for you. In the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, One God, now and forever. Amen. 10

14 February 25 March 3 A Word from Scripture: Mark 8:31 38 Then Jesus began to teach them that the Son of Man must undergo great suffering, and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests, and the scribes, and be killed, and after three days rise again. He said all this quite openly. And Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. But turning and looking at his disciples, he rebuked Peter and said, Get behind me, Satan! For you are setting your mind not on divine things but on human things. He called the crowd with his disciples, and said to them, If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake, and for the sake of the gospel, will save it. For what will it profit them to gain the whole world and forfeit their life? Indeed, what can they give in return for their life? Those who are ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of them the Son of Man will also be ashamed when he comes in the glory of his Father with the holy angels. A Word from the Heidelberg Catechism: Q 37: What do you understand by the word suffered? A. That during his whole life on earth, but especially at the end, Christ sustained in body and soul the wrath of God against the sin of the whole human race. This he did in order that, by his suffering as the only atoning sacrifice, he might deliver us, body and soul, from eternal condemnation, and gain for us God s grace, righteousness, and eternal life. My Notes O God Holy Spirit, come now and strengthen me to join in Christ s sufferings. Soften my desire to live a comfortable life which avoids pain and displeasure. Help me to realize the joy that comes by taking up my cross and following Jesus. Strengthen my willingness to lose my life for the sake of the Gospel, that I might truly live. In Christ s name. Amen. 11

15 Some Words for Reflection or Conversation 1: Why did Peter have such a strong reaction against what Jesus was saying? (He said all this quite openly. And Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. - Mark 8:32) Why did Jesus react so strongly in response? (But turning and looking at his disciples, he rebuked Peter and said, Get behind me, Satan! For you are setting your mind not on divine things but on human things. - Mark 8:33) In other words, how was Peter falling short of how Jesus would have liked to have seen him? O God Holy Spirit, come now and strengthen me to join in Christ s sufferings. Soften my desire to live a comfortable life which avoids pain and displeasure. Help me to realize the joy that comes by taking up my cross and following Jesus. Strengthen my willingness to lose my life for the sake of the Gospel, that I might truly live. In Christ s name. Amen. 12

16 February 25 March 3 A Word from Scripture: Mark 8:31 38 Some Words for Reflection or Conversation 2: Our passage from Mark makes it clear that Jesus knew that the suffering described in the Heidelberg Catechism was coming, a long time before it actually happened. What does it mean to you that he stayed the course rather than avoiding all of that suffering by trying to avoid it? What does this tell you about who you are in Jesus eyes? O God Holy Spirit, come now and strengthen me to join in Christ s sufferings. Soften my desire to live a comfortable life which avoids pain and displeasure. Help me to realize the joy that comes by taking up my cross and following Jesus. Strengthen my willingness to lose my life for the sake of the Gospel, that I might truly live. In Christ s name. Amen. 13

17 Some Words for Reflection or Conversation 3: Jesus says that we need to take up our cross and follow him if we are to be his disciples. (Mark 8:34 38). When we live sacrificially, we are not delivering [others] from eternal condemnation (as Answer 37 from Heidelberg, page 11, puts it) as he delivered us on the cross. Why, then, is it important for us to live lives of sacrifice? O God Holy Spirit, come now and strengthen me to join in Christ s sufferings. Soften my desire to live a comfortable life which avoids pain and displeasure. Help me to realize the joy that comes by taking up my cross and following Jesus. Strengthen my willingness to lose my life for the sake of the Gospel, that I might truly live. In Christ s name. Amen. 14

18 March 4 10 A Word from Scripture: Ephesians 2:4 10 But God, who is rich in mercy, out of the great love with which he loved us even when we were dead through our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ by grace you have been saved and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the ages to come he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God not the result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are what he has made us, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand to be our way of life. A Word from the Heidelberg Catechism: Q 60: How are you righteous before God? A. Only by true faith in Jesus Christ. In spite of the fact that my conscience accuses me that I have grievously sinned against all the commandments of God, and have not kept any one of them, and that I am still ever prone to all that is evil nevertheless, God, without any merit of my own, out of pure grace, grants me the benefits of the perfect expiation of Christ, imputing to me his righteousness and holiness as if I had never committed a single sin or had ever been sinful, having fulfilled myself all the obedience which Christ has carried out for me, if only I accept such favor with a trusting heart. Q 61: Why do you say that you are righteous by faith alone? A. Not because I please God by virtue of the worthiness of my faith, but because the satisfaction, righteousness, and holiness of Christ alone are my righteousness before God, and because I can accept it and make it mine in no other way than by faith alone. My Notes Gracious God, thank you for your mercy and love, which I don t deserve but for which I am most grateful. Transform me with your grace, and help me live for you. Amen. 15

19 Some Words for Reflection or Conversation 1: Take a moment to think of an instance this week in which you were self-critical. What happened and how you were hard on yourself? Now re-read the Ephesians passage focusing on God s love for you. What might God say to you in that moment of self-criticism? Write a letter to yourself from God. Gracious God, thank you for your mercy and love, which I don t deserve but for which I am most grateful. Transform me with your grace, and help me live for you. Amen. 16

20 March 4 10 A Word from Scripture: Ephesians 2:4 10 Some Words for Reflection or Conversation 2: Alive together with Christ saved and raised up with him seated us with him in the heavenly places created in Christ Jesus. Paul s letter to the Ephesians describes our oneness with Christ. In God s eyes, you are one with Christ. As you think about the life of Christ, what does that mean to you? Jot down the thoughts that come to mind. Take the one that jumps out at you and carry it with you today, praying that your eyes and ears would be open to what God might show you. Gracious God, thank you for your mercy and love, which I don t deserve but for which I am most grateful. Transform me with your grace, and help me live for you. Amen. 17

21 Some Words for Reflection or Conversation 3: Grace can be described in words, but we are transformed by the experience of grace. Try to write your own definition of God s grace after reading the Ephesian s passage and the Heidelberg questions. Next, think of a time you have experienced that grace. Reflect quietly on that moment of God s grace. What do you feel? How could you express to God, in deed or action, your gratitude for that grace? Gracious God, thank you for your mercy and love, which I don t deserve but for which I am most grateful. Transform me with your grace, and help me live for you. Amen. 18

22 March A Word from Scripture: Exodus 20:1 6 Then God spoke all these words: I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery; you shall have no other gods before me. You shall not make for yourself an idol, whether in the form of anything that is in heaven above, or that is on the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth. You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I the Lord your God am a jealous God, punishing children for the iniquity of parents, to the third and the fourth generation of those who reject me, but showing steadfast love to the thousandth generation of those who love me and keep my commandments. A Word from the Heidelberg Catechism: Q 94: What does the Lord require in the first commandment? A. That I rightly know the only true God trust him alone, and look to God for every good thing humbly and patiently, and love, fear, and honor God with all my heart. In short, that I give up anything rather than go against God s will in any way. Q 95: What is idolatry? A. Idolatry is having or inventing something in which one trusts in place of or alongside of the only true God, who has revealed himself in the Word. My Notes O God you are the creator and sustainer of the universe. You are all-powerful and the source of all joy, yet when I am honest I find myself turning away from you, toward other gods and other idols. Forgive me and turn me back toward yourself. Focus me again, so that I will look to you for every good thing, humbly and patiently. In Christ s name. Amen. 19

23 Some Words for Reflection or Conversation 1: The scripture reading from Exodus 20 is the beginning of the Ten Commandments. Why do you think that God decided to start the list here, with you shall have no other gods before me. and you shall not make for yourself an idol, before commands like honor your father and mother and do not steal? What does God know about us that led to putting these first? O God you are the creator and sustainer of the universe. You are all-powerful and the source of all joy, yet when I am honest I find myself turning away from you, toward other gods and other idols. Forgive me and turn me back toward yourself. Focus me again, so that I will look to you for every good thing, humbly and patiently. In Christ s name. Amen. 20

24 March A Word from Scripture: Exodus 20:1 6 Some Words for Reflection or Conversation 2: The questions from the Heidelberg Catechism point out that the commandments challenge us to give up anything that goes against God s will in any way. What are some things in your life which you might want to give up, because they prevent the Holy Spirit into changing you into more of the person God dreams you will become? O God you are the creator and sustainer of the universe. You are all-powerful and the source of all joy, yet when I am honest I find myself turning away from you, toward other gods and other idols. Forgive me and turn me back toward yourself. Focus me again, so that I will look to you for every good thing, humbly and patiently. In Christ s name. Amen. 21

25 Some Words for Reflection or Conversation 3: Many of us reading this Lenten devotional like to succeed and to feel as if everything is under control. When life is spinning out of control, we often work harder and harder to bring everything back under control, rather than trusting that somehow God is still in control of the situation. Does it resonate with you that our own desire to be in control at all times can be an idol, one that God might be calling us to surrender? What does it mean that God is creator and sees us as beloved creatures? O God you are the creator and sustainer of the universe. You are all-powerful and the source of all joy, yet when I am honest I find myself turning away from you, toward other gods and other idols. Forgive me and turn me back toward yourself. Focus me again, so that I will look to you for every good thing, humbly and patiently. In Christ s name. Amen. 22

26 March A Word from Scripture: I Peter 2:4 10 Come to him, a living stone, though rejected by mortals yet chosen and precious in God s sight, and like living stones, let yourselves be built into a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. For it stands in scripture: See, I am laying in Zion a stone, a cornerstone chosen and precious; and whoever believes in him will not be put to shame. To you then who believe, he is precious; but for those who do not believe, The stone that the builders rejected has become the very head of the corner, and A stone that makes them stumble, and a rock that makes them fall. They stumble because they disobey the word, as they were destined to do. But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God s own people, in order that you may proclaim the mighty acts of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. Once you were not a people, but now you are God s people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy. A Word from the Heidelberg Catechism: Q 86: Since we have been delivered from our misery by grace through Christ without any merit of our own, why then should we do good works? A. Because Christ, having redeemed us by his blood, is also restoring us by his Spirit into his image, so that with our whole lives we may show that we are thankful to God for his benefits, so that he may be praised through us, so that we may be assured of our faith by its fruits, and so that by our godly living our neighbors may be won over to Christ. My Notes Gracious God, I thank you for sending the Holy Spirit as a guide to assist me as I let you build me into your spiritual house. All I am is only made possible by your grace, which restores me and allows me to be a witness to your grace to my neighbor. God of radical love, help me to live a godly life that honors and praises you. I pray all this in the name of your precious cornerstone Jesus. Amen. 23

27 Some Words for Reflection or Conversation 1: This text from I Peter talks about our being built into a spiritual house, and the answer to the Heidelberg question speaks of living a godly life that will stand as a witness of our faith to our neighbors. What does this spiritual house look like? How do we live out of this spiritual house in a way that shows our neighbors who we really are, as followers of Christ? Gracious God, I thank you for sending the Holy Spirit as a guide to assist me as I let you build me into your spiritual house. All I am is only made possible by your grace, which restores me and allows me to be a witness to your grace to my neighbor. God of radical love, help me to live a godly life that honors and praises you. I pray all this in the name of your precious cornerstone Jesus. Amen. 24

28 March A Word from Scripture: I Peter 2:4 10 Some Words for Reflection or Conversation 2: We are asked to show our gratitude, our thankfulness to God with our whole lives, in everything we do. How do you show this whole life thankfulness in your everyday life? How do you show it through good works? Gracious God, I thank you for sending the Holy Spirit as a guide to assist me as I let you build me into your spiritual house. All I am is only made possible by your grace, which restores me and allows me to be a witness to your grace to my neighbor. God of radical love, help me to live a godly life that honors and praises you. I pray all this in the name of your precious cornerstone Jesus. Amen. 25

29 Some Words for Reflection or Conversation 3: It is difficult for us to receive, let alone be delivered or saved from our misery; we like to do the saving, to be the givers. This Heidelberg question informs us that this deliverance has already taken place, without our agency at all, by grace through Christ. Having received God s grace, how are you different? How do your good works reflect God s grace? Gracious God, I thank you for sending the Holy Spirit as a guide to assist me as I let you build me into your spiritual house. All I am is only made possible by your grace, which restores me and allows me to be a witness to your grace to my neighbor. God of radical love, help me to live a godly life that honors and praises you. I pray all this in the name of your precious cornerstone Jesus. Amen. 26

30 Palm Sunday, March A Word from Scripture: John 12:12 19 The next day the great crowd that had come to the festival heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem. So they took branches of palm trees and went out to meet him, shouting, Hosanna! Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord the King of Israel! Jesus found a young donkey and sat on it; as it is written: Do not be afraid, daughter of Zion. Look, your king is coming, sitting on a donkey s colt! His disciples did not understand these things at first; but when Jesus was glorified, then they remembered that these things had been written of him and had been done to him. So the crowd that had been with him when he called Lazarus out of the tomb and raised him from the dead continued to testify. It was also because they heard that he had performed this sign that the crowd went to meet him. The Pharisees then said to one another, You see, you can do nothing. Look, the world has gone after him! A Word from the Heidelberg Catechism: Q 31: Why is he called Christ, that is anointed? A. Because he is ordained of God the Father, and anointed with the Holy Ghost, to be our chief Prophet and Teacher, who has fully revealed to us the secret counsel and will of God concerning our redemption; and to be our only High Priest, who by the one sacrifice of his body, has redeemed us, and makes continual intercession with the Father for us; and also to be our eternal King, who governs us by his word and Spirit, and who defends and preserves us in that salvation, he has purchased for us. My Notes Lord Jesus Christ, thank you for being prophet, priest, and king. You teach me with the Word of God, a word that convicts and heals. You connect me with God despite my sin. You reign over me without coercion or force. Thank you for all you will do this Holy Week. Amen. 27

31 Some Words for Reflection or Conversation 1: On Palm Sunday, Jesus triumphantly marches into Jerusalem with great fanfare and glory. Our reading from the Heidelberg Catechism describes three roles that he plays during Holy Week, which begins today. The first is Prophet, the teacher through whom God speaks to call the powerful to account. How did Jesus call the powerful to account throughout his earthly ministry (not necessarily in this passage from John)? How do you think Jesus sees us when he is in the role of Prophet, teaching us? Lord Jesus Christ, thank you for being prophet, priest, and king. You teach me with the Word of God, a word that convicts and heals. You connect me with God despite my sin. You reign over me without coercion or force. Thank you for all you will do this Holy Week. Amen. 28

32 Palm Sunday, March A Word from Scripture: John 12:12 19 Some Words for Reflection or Conversation 2: The second of Jesus roles that is mentioned in the Heidelberg Catechism is the High Priest, the one who helps us connect with God. As we move toward Maundy Thursday, with the last supper and the footwashing, and then Good Friday with the crucifixion, how does Jesus help us connect with God? How do you think Jesus sees us when he is in the role of High Priest, helping connect us to God? Lord Jesus Christ, thank you for being prophet, priest, and king. You teach me with the Word of God, a word that convicts and heals. You connect me with God despite my sin. You reign over me without coercion or force. Thank you for all you will do this Holy Week. Amen. 29

33 Some Words for Reflection or Conversation 3: Jesus third role mentioned in the Heidelberg Catechism answer is King, the one who reigns over us even if as a servant. How does Jesus Palm Sunday entrance reimagine royal power? Which of the three roles (prophet, priest, or king) are you drawn to most as you think about Jesus? How do you think Jesus sees us when he is in the role of King, reigning over us? Lord Jesus Christ, thank you for being prophet, priest, and king. You teach me with the Word of God, a word that convicts and heals. You connect me with God despite my sin. You reign over me without coercion or force. Thank you for all you will do this Holy Week. Amen. 30

34 Maundy Thursday, March 29 A Word from Scripture: John 13:1 7, 31b 35 Now before the festival of the Passover, Jesus knew that his hour had come to depart from this world and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end. The devil had already put it into the heart of Judas son of Simon Iscariot to betray him. And during supper Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he had come from God and was going to God, got up from the table, took off his outer robe, and tied a towel around himself. Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples feet and to wipe them with the towel that was tied around him. He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, Lord, are you going to wash my feet? Jesus answered, You do not know now what I am doing, but later you will understand. Jesus said, Now the Son of Man has been glorified, and God has been glorified in him. If God has been glorified in him, God will also glorify him in himself and will glorify him at once. Little children, I am with you only a little longer. You will look for me; and as I said to the Jews so now I say to you, Where I am going, you cannot come. I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another. A Word from the Heidelberg Catechism: Q 75: How does the holy supper remind and assure you that you share in Christ s one sacrifice on the cross and in all his benefits? A. In this way: Christ has commanded me and all believers to eat this broken bread and to drink this cup in remembrance of him. With this command come these promises: First, as surely as I see with my eyes the bread of the Lord broken for me and the cup shared with me, so surely his body was offered and broken for me and his blood poured out for me on the cross. Second, as surely as I receive from the hand of the one who serves, and taste with my mouth the bread and cup of the Lord, given me as sure signs of Christ s body and blood, so surely he nourishes and refreshes my soul for eternal life with his crucified body and poured-out blood. My Notes Oh Jesus, your model of service overwhelms me. You washed my feet; you fed me with your very body and blood. You shower me with grace upon grace upon grace. Thank you that you give freely what I could never earn. Amen. 31

35 Some Words for Reflection or Conversation 1: The Gospel of John spends as much time talking about how Jesus washes the disciples feet as it does talking about the last supper. Why was it important that Jesus undertake such a servant-like act the night before he was crucified? What does this tell you about who you are in Jesus eyes? Oh Jesus, your model of service overwhelms me. You washed my feet; you fed me with your very body and blood. You shower me with grace upon grace upon grace. Thank you that you give freely what I could never earn. Amen. 32

36 Maundy Thursday, March 29 A Word from Scripture: John 13:1 7, 31b 35 Some Words for Reflection or Conversation 2: What does Jesus footwashing have in common with the last supper? How are they different? Can you think of a reason (besides hygiene) that Presbyterians regularly celebrate communion but only rarely practice footwashing? Oh Jesus, your model of service overwhelms me. You washed my feet; you fed me with your very body and blood. You shower me with grace upon grace upon grace. Thank you that you give freely what I could never earn. Amen. 33

37 Some Words for Reflection or Conversation 3: The Heidelberg Catechism mentions two promises (page 31) that are communicated through the holy supper. How would you put them into your own words? Are these new ideas to you? How are they/how might they become meaningful to you? Oh Jesus, your model of service overwhelms me. You washed my feet; you fed me with your very body and blood. You shower me with grace upon grace upon grace. Thank you that you give freely what I could never earn. Amen. 34

38 Good Friday, March A Word from Scripture: John 18:38b 19:7 After Pilate had said this, he went out to the Jews again and told them, I find no case against Jesus. But you have a custom that I release someone for you at the Passover. Do you want me to release for you the King of the Jews? They shouted in reply, Not this man, but Barabbas! Now Barabbas was a bandit. Then Pilate took Jesus and had him flogged. And the soldiers wove a crown of thorns and put it on his head, and they dressed him in a purple robe. They kept coming up to him, saying, Hail, King of the Jews! and striking him on the face. Pilate went out again and said to them, Look, I am bringing him out to you to let you know that I find no case against him. So Jesus came out, wearing the crown of thorns and the purple robe. Pilate said to them, Here is the man! When the chief priests and the police saw him, they shouted, Crucify him! Crucify him! Pilate said to them, Take him yourselves and crucify him; I find no case against him. The Jews answered him, We have a law, and according to that law he ought to die because he has claimed to be the Son of God. A Word from the Heidelberg Catechism: Q 38: Why did Jesus suffer under Pontius Pilate as judge? A. So that he, though innocent, might be condemned by an earthly judge, and so free us from the severe judgment of God that was to fall on us. Q 39: Is it significant that he was crucified instead of dying some other way? A. Yes. By this I am convinced that he shouldered the curse which lay on me, since death by crucifixion was cursed by God. My Notes Lord Jesus Christ, forgive me for my sin. Forgive me for the ways that I deny and betray you. Forgive me for the ways I turn against you. Forgive me for taking your sacrifice for granted. Forgive me for ignoring what you have done for me. Lord Jesus Christ, Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world. Grant me your peace. Amen. 35

39 Some Words for Reflection or Conversation 1: This passage from John is only a small part of what the Evangelist writes about everything that happened to Jesus after the Last Supper. In fact, John spends 82 verses describing all of those events. What do you think, in particular, John is trying to emphasize in the part of the story you read here (John 18:38b 19:1 7)? Lord Jesus Christ, forgive me for my sin. Forgive me for the ways that I deny and betray you. Forgive me for the ways I turn against you. Forgive me for taking your sacrifice for granted. Forgive me for ignoring what you have done for me. Lord Jesus Christ, Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world. Grant me your peace. Amen. 36

40 Good Friday, March A Word from Scripture: John 18:38b 19:7 Some Words for Reflection or Conversation 2: Question 39 from the Heidelberg Catechism (page 35) refers to Deuteronomy 21: That Old Testament passage says that anyone who is hung on a tree (cross) is under God s curse. Theologians have worked for millennia to articulate what it means that the Son of God is under God s curse. What might it begin to mean to you? How does it help you understand who you are in God s eyes? Lord Jesus Christ, forgive me for my sin. Forgive me for the ways that I deny and betray you. Forgive me for the ways I turn against you. Forgive me for taking your sacrifice for granted. Forgive me for ignoring what you have done for me. Lord Jesus Christ, Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world. Grant me your peace. Amen. 37

41 Some Words for Reflection or Conversation 3: On Good Friday Christians often contemplate how our sin has contributed to Christ s crucifixion. One way to do this is to place ourselves in this story by reading out loud the comments of the Jews (in verses 40 and 7), the soldiers (in verse 3, read with sarcasm), and the chief priests and police (in verse 6). What emotions do you feel as you hear your own voice call for Jesus crucifixion? Lord Jesus Christ, forgive me for my sin. Forgive me for the ways that I deny and betray you. Forgive me for the ways I turn against you. Forgive me for taking your sacrifice for granted. Forgive me for ignoring what you have done for me. Lord Jesus Christ, Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world. Grant me your peace. Amen. 38

42 April 1, Easter Sunday A Word from Scripture: John 20:1 18 Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene came to the tomb and saw that the stone had been removed from the tomb. So she ran and went to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved, and said to them, They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid him. Then Peter and the other disciple set out and went toward the tomb. The two were running together, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first. He bent down to look in and saw the linen wrappings lying there, but he did not go in. Then Simon Peter came, following him, and went into the tomb. He saw the linen wrappings lying there, and the cloth that had been on Jesus head, not lying with the linen wrappings but rolled up in a place by itself. Then the other disciple, who reached the tomb first, also went in, and he saw and believed; for as yet they did not understand the scripture, that he must rise from the dead. Then the disciples returned to their homes. But Mary stood weeping outside the tomb. As she wept, she bent over to look into the tomb; and she saw two angels in white, sitting where the body of Jesus had been lying, one at the head and the other at the feet. They said to her, Woman, why are you weeping? She said to them, They have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid him. When she had said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not know that it was Jesus. Jesus said to her, Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you looking for? Supposing him to be the gardener, she said to him, Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have laid him, and I will take him away. Jesus said to her, Mary! She turned and said to him in Hebrew, Rabbouni! (which means Teacher). Jesus said to her, Do not hold on to me, because I have not yet ascended to the Father. But go to my brothers and say to them, I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God. Mary Magdalene went and announced to the disciples, I have seen the Lord ; and she told them that he had said these things to her. A Word from the Heidelberg Catechism: Q 45: How does Christ s resurrection benefit us? A. First, by his resurrection he has overcome death, so that he might make us share in the righteousness he obtained for us by his death. Second, by his power we too are already raised to a new life. Third, Christ s resurrection is a sure pledge to us of our blessed resurrection. My Notes (based on Ephesians 1:19 21) Father of glory, give me a spirit of wisdom and enlighten my heart, so that I would know the immeasurable greatness of your power the same power that raised Jesus Christ from the dead and seated him at your right hand in the heavenly places. Thank you for walking with me this Lent, and propel me out into the world to serve you now as a faithful servant. In Jesus name, Amen. 39

43 Some Words for Reflection or Conversation 1: What hope does this passage from the Gospel of John give you? What is different in your life because you have this hope? (based on Ephesians 1:19 21) Father of glory, give me a spirit of wisdom and enlighten my heart, so that I would know the immeasurable greatness of your power the same power that raised Jesus Christ from the dead and seated him at your right hand in the heavenly places. Thank you for walking with me this Lent, and propel me out into the world to serve you now as a faithful servant. In Jesus name, Amen. 40

44 April 1, Easter Sunday A Word from Scripture: John 20:1 18 Some Words for Reflection or Conversation 2: What are some of the most profound insights you have gained this Lent about who you are in God s eyes? Have you discovered any insights about who you are which are uncomfortable to think about? (based on Ephesians 1:19 21) Father of glory, give me a spirit of wisdom and enlighten my heart, so that I would know the immeasurable greatness of your power the same power that raised Jesus Christ from the dead and seated him at your right hand in the heavenly places. Thank you for walking with me this Lent, and propel me out into the world to serve you now as a faithful servant. In Jesus name, Amen. 41

45 Some Words for Reflection or Conversation 3: What welcome or positive insights have you gained about who you are in God s eyes? Who in your life needs to hear some good news about who they are in God s eyes? When will you tell them? (based on Ephesians 1:19 21) Father of glory, give me a spirit of wisdom and enlighten my heart, so that I would know the immeasurable greatness of your power the same power that raised Jesus Christ from the dead and seated him at your right hand in the heavenly places. Thank you for walking with me this Lent, and propel me out into the world to serve you now as a faithful servant. In Jesus name, Amen. 42

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48 Holy Week Schedule Palm Sunday, March 25 9:00 and 11:00 AM worship with palm branches Maundy Thursday, March 29 Worship guide to be provided for home use Good Friday, March 30 12:00 PM traditional worship 7:00 PM Tenebrae service Easter Sunday, April 1 7:30 AM Chapel service 9:00 and 11:00 AM traditional worship